I took my pup to the park Friday - beautiful morning and it was perfect weather to be outside. I didn't want to walk him on the trails - lots of bikers and joggers in the AM and I thought it might be a little much for him to handle. There is a dog park there for both large and small dogs. After extensive reading on this site I knew better than to take him inside. He tends to bark when he sees other dogs and I want to de-sensitize him to other four-legged beasts. I walked him on the OUTSIDE perimeter of the chain link fence. He was able to see and sniff if he chose and was quiet. Other dogs came up - some with their owners. As we walked I watched his reactions - he was quiet when some dogs approached but barked with others. He would only come up to people if I led him to the fence and let him sniff hands - he never came in direct contact and there was a fence between us and everyone else the whole time. I had other owners inviting me in but I thanked them politely and said no. By the time we got home he was exhausted! Lots of mental energy expended. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to de-sensitize my puppy to other dogs? He's not quite 4 months so I hope I am on the right track with him.
Am trying to expose him to lots of different places at different times. At what point should I stop allowing contact with other people? He is ok with most people - not looking for belly scratches but not cowering behind me either.